DeTar Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month With Events Supporting Local Cancer Patients

9/22/2026

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. For DeTar Healthcare System, October is an opportunity to encourage women to prioritize breast health while bringing the community together to support local cancer patients and families.

Throughout October, DeTar will host and participate in several Breast Cancer Awareness events benefiting Crossroads Guardians of Hope, a local organization that helps cancer patients with expenses such as fuel, hotel stays, parking and medications.

"Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a meaningful opportunity to encourage our community to prioritize breast health and make screening a regular part of their healthcare," said Heidi Wolf, CNO at DeTar Healthcare System. "But awareness also means supporting the patients and families in our community who are facing cancer. These events give our community an opportunity to come together, have conversations about breast health and make a direct difference for local cancer patients."

DeTar recently installed new 3D mammography technology at its facilities, providing radiologists with a more detailed view of breast tissue while incorporating features designed to make the mammography experience more comfortable.

The systems capture multiple images of the breast from different angles, allowing radiologists to examine breast tissue in greater detail. DeTar also offers stereotactic breast biopsy, an image-guided procedure used to obtain tissue samples from certain areas of concern.

The technology is part of DeTar's broader effort to make breast cancer screening accessible in the Crossroads. For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk.

Throughout October, DeTar is offering $99 screening mammograms for eligible patients. The $99 rate is a self-pay price, and insurance will not be filed for the exam. DeTar offers flexibility in scheduling mammography appointments either in October or anytime of the year at the DeTar Imaging Center located on the DeTar North campus. Those interested in scheduling their mammogram can schedule online at detar.com/mammogram or call 361-788-6141.

Routine screening is an important part of breast health. Women should talk with their healthcare provider about when screening is appropriate for them, particularly if they have an increased risk of breast cancer.

Women experiencing a lump, breast pain, nipple changes or another breast concern should speak with their healthcare provider about the appropriate type of breast imaging rather than scheduling a routine screening mammogram.

Schedule a $99 screening mammogram at DeTar Imaging Center by visiting detar.com/mammogram or, call 361-788-6141. A physician order is not necessary for a screening mammogram, but it is required for a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound and DEXA. A physician order is also required for a screening mammogram for women under 40 years of age.

DeTar Events Benefit Crossroads Guardians of Hope

DeTar Volunteer Services will kick off the month with its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Bake Sale from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at DeTar Hospital Navarro. Homemade baked goods will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting Crossroads Guardians of Hope.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, DeTar will host its annual Pink Out Breakfast from 7 to 9:30 a.m. at the DeTar Hospital Navarro Café. The $10 breakfast will feature pink-themed favorites, including pink pancakes and pink cinnamon rolls. Cash will be accepted at the door, and all proceeds will benefit Crossroads Guardians of Hope.

Later that morning, DeTar Healthcare System and the Victoria Police Department will partner for a Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch & Learn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Victoria Community Center Annex. DeTar Cancer Center radiation oncologist Dr. Stephen Brown will discuss breast cancer prevention, screening, treatment advances and survivorship. The event and lunch are free, although an RSVP is requested. Register for the Lunch & Learn at https://www.victoriatx.gov/1019/Lunch-and-Learn.

The events also highlight the work of Crossroads Guardians of Hope, whose distinctive pink emergency vehicles have become familiar sights around the Victoria community.

The organization's pink fire engine, ambulance and patrol car have been signed by cancer survivors, patients and families who have lost loved ones. The vehicles serve as traveling symbols of hope, strength and remembrance while helping bring visibility to the organization's mission.

"We are incredibly grateful for DeTar Healthcare System's continued partnership and commitment to our mission," said Ryley Purcell, executive director of Crossroads Guardians of Hope. "The funds raised during these events stay right here in our community, helping local cancer patients focus on healing instead of worrying about the financial challenges that often come with treatment."

For DeTar, the partnership represents the connection between raising awareness, encouraging screening and supporting patients after a cancer diagnosis.

"We're honored to support Crossroads Guardians of Hope, whose commitment to helping cancer patients and their families is invaluable," said Brett Maxfield, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System. "By giving back, while also providing education and affordable screenings, we hope to offer support, encourage early detection and show those in need that they are not alone."

For more information or to schedule a $99 screening mammogram during October, visit detar.com/mammogram.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at a Glance

DeTar $99 Screening Mammograms — All October
DeTar Healthcare System is honored to offer $99 screening mammograms throughout October for eligible patients. Convenient online scheduling is available at detar.com/mammogram or by calling the DeTar Imaging Center at (361) 788-6141.

DeTar Volunteers Breast Cancer Awareness Bake Sale
Friday, Oct. 2 | 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
DeTar Hospital Navarro front lobby
Homemade baked goods will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Crossroads Guardians of Hope.

DeTar's Pink Out Breakfast
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
DeTar Hospital Navarro Café
$10 per plate; cash only. All proceeds benefit Crossroads Guardians of Hope.

VPD Lunch & Learn Breast Cancer Awareness
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Victoria Community Center Annex
Hosted in partnership with the Victoria Police Department.Hear from DeTar Cancer Center radiation oncologist Dr. Stephen Brown about breast cancer prevention, screening, treatment and survivorship. Free lunch provided. RSVP requested at https://www.victoriatx.gov/1019/Lunch-and-Learn

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